Inorganic nanoparticles compositions in combination with ionizing radiations for treating cancer

ABSTRACT

The present application relates to activable inorganic nanoparticles which can be used in the health sector, in particular in human health, to disturb, alter or destroy target cancerous cells, tissues or organs. It more particularly relates to nanoparticles which can generate a surprisingly efficient therapeutic effect, when concentrated inside the tumor and exposed to ionizing radiations. The invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising a population of nanoparticles as defined previously, as well as to their uses.

The present application relates to activable inorganic nanoparticles which can be used in the health sector, in particular in human health, to disturb, alter or destroy target cancerous cells, tissues or organs. It more particularly relates to nanoparticles which can generate a surprisingly efficient therapeutic effect when concentrated inside the tumor and exposed to ionizing radiations. The invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising a population of nanoparticles as defined previously, as well as to their uses.

BACKGROUND

Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide, accounting for 7.6 million deaths (around 13% of all deaths) in 2008 (World Health Organization). Cancer is a generic term for a large group of diseases that can affect any part of the body. Other terms used are malignant tumors and neoplasms. Cancer is the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells. The growths often invade surrounding tissue and can metastasize to distant sites. Metastases are the major cause of death from cancer. Deaths from cancer worldwide are projected to continue rising, with an estimated 13.1 million deaths in 2030.

Cancer treatment requires a careful selection of one or more intervention, such as surgery, radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy. The goal is to cure the disease or considerably prolong life while improving the patient's quality of life.

Radiations of various forms such as X-Rays, gamma-Rays, UV-Rays, laser light, microwaves, electron beams as well as particle beams of, for example neutrons, carbon ions and protons, have been used to treat malignant diseases. Some of said radiations have been used in such applications, in combination with radiosensitizers. Electromagnetic and ionizing radiations are indeed capable to break the DNA molecule of the cell, thereby preventing said cell from growing and dividing. This effect can be explained by the action of particles or wave which will create ionization that releases electrons and free radicals travelling within a defined volume and generating energy deposit into this volume.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,367,934 B2 relates to a method for enhancing the effects of radiations directed to a tissue or a population of cells in an animal. This method comprises a step of administering an amount of metal nanoparticles to said animal to achieve a concentration in said tissue or said population of cells of the animal of at least about 0.1% metal by weight; and then a step of irradiating the animal with radiation directed to said tissue or said population of cells, wherein said radiation is in the form of X-rays of about 1 keV to about 25,000 keV.

WO 2011/127061 A1 relates to a method for enhancing the effect of radiation directed to a tissue or a population of cells comprising the steps of: (1) administering to an animal an amount of high-Z particles, the high-Z particles comprising a targeting molecule with an affinity for a targeted tissue or a targeted population of cells and a high-Z element; and (2) subsequently irradiating the targeted tissue or targeted population of cells with ionizing radiations; wherein the high-Z particles are administered to the animal in an amount sufficient to achieve a concentration in the targeted tissue or targeted population of cells of less than 0.05% metal by weight.

Inventors herein provide a new and powerful strategy to use their nanoparticles (herein below described) which are able to achieve a very efficient alteration or destruction of target cancerous cells in combination with ionizing radiations, when said nanoparticles are adequately selected and concentrated inside the targeted cancer site, as herein demonstrated.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Inventors now provide an advantageous composition comprising inorganic particles for use for treating cancer, in particular a composition allowing the destruction of more than about 30%, preferably more than about 44% or more than about 47%, even more preferably more than about 70%, of cancer cells in a tumor volume of a subject (histological response assessment) or inducing at least more than 20% of tumor size reduction (anatomical response assessment) in a subject or inducing at least more than 20% of tumor ¹⁸F-FDG SUV (Standardized Uptake Value) decline (metabolic response assessment) in a subject, when the tumor of said subject is exposed to ionizing radiations.

Once administered, the volume (Vc) of the composition of the invention occupies between 2 and 50% of the tumor volume (Vt). Each inorganic nanoparticle of the composition has a volume (Vin) having an electron density at least 5 times the electron density of the corresponding volume 1 (Vw1) of water.

In a particular embodiment, a method for inducing in a subject suffering of a cancer (i) the destruction of more than 30% of cancer cells in a tumor volume or (ii) at least more than 20% of tumor size reduction is herein described. This method comprises:

-   -   administering in a subject suffering of a cancer a composition         comprising inorganic nanoparticles, each of said inorganic         nanoparticle having a volume (Vin) having an electron density at         least 5 times the electron density of the corresponding volume 1         (Vw1) of water, and     -   exposing the tumor (targeted tissue or targeted population of         cells) of the subject to ionizing radiations,

thereby inducing (i) the destruction of more than 30% of cancer cells in a tumor volume or (ii) at least more than 20% of tumor size reduction when the volume (Vc) of said composition occupies between 2 and 50% of the tumor volume (Vt).

The present document further describes the use of inorganic nanoparticles to prepare a composition for inducing in a subject suffering of a cancer (i) the destruction (pathological response) of more than about 30%, preferably more than about 44% or 47%, even more preferably more than about 70%, of cancer cells in a tumor volume or (ii) at least more than 20% of tumor size reduction (tumor shrinkage), when the volume (Vc) of said composition occupies between 2 and 50% of the tumor volume (Vt) and when the tumor is exposed to ionizing radiations, wherein each inorganic nanoparticle has a volume (Vin) having an electron density at least 5 times the electron density of the corresponding volume 1 (Vw1) of water.

In a preferred embodiment, said volume composition (Vc) has an electron density of at least 3% of the electron density of the corresponding volume 2 (Vw2) of water, and even more preferably said inorganic nanoparticles provide more than 3×10²² electrons, preferably more than 7×10²² electrons, to the tumor mass.

In a further preferred embodiment, these inorganic nanoparticles provide more than 3×10²² electrons, preferably more than 7×10²² electrons to the tumor mass. In another preferred embodiment, the volume composition (Vc) (advantageously further) has an electron density of at least 3% of the electron density of the corresponding volume 2 (Vw2) of water (FIG. 1).

Results presented for the first time in the context of the present invention now demonstrate that a composition comprising high electron density inorganic nanoparticles occupying between 2 and 50% of the tumor volume are able to induce at least more than about 30%, preferably more than about 44% or 47%, even more preferably more than about 70% of cancer cell killing when the inorganic nanoparticles provide at least, preferably more than 3×10²² electrons, for example more than about 3.2×10²² electrons, preferably more than 7×10²², electrons to the tumor mass. Each nanoparticle of the composition advantageously has an electron density at least 5 times the electron density of the same nanoparticle composed of water molecules.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Inorganic Nanoparticle

Size

In the spirit of the invention, the term “nanoparticle” refers to a product, in particular a synthetic product, with a size in the nanometer range, typically between 1 nm and 500 nm.

The term “crystallite” herein refers to a crystalline product. The size of the crystallite and its structure and composition may be analyzed from X-ray diffractogram.

The term “aggregate of crystallites” refers to an assemblage of crystallites strongly, typically covalently, bound to each other.

The nanoparticle of the invention is typically a crystallite and/or an aggregate of crystallites.

The terms “size of the nanoparticle” and “largest size of the nanoparticle” herein refer to the “largest dimension of the nanoparticle” or “diameter of the nanoparticle”. Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) can be used to measure the size of the nanoparticle. As well, Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) can be used to measure the hydrodynamic diameter of nanoparticles in solution. These two methods may further be used one after each other to compare size measures and confirm said size. A preferred method is DLS (Ref. International Standard ISO22412 Particle Size Analysis—Dynamic Light Scattering, International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) 2008).

The largest dimension of a nanoparticle as herein defined is typically between about 5 nm and about 250 nm, preferably between about 10 nm and about 100 nm or about 200 nm, even more preferably between about 20 nm and about 150 nm.

Shape

As the shape of the particle can influence its “biocompatibility”, particle having a quite homogeneous shape is preferred. For pharmacokinetic reasons, nanoparticles being essentially spherical, round or ovoid in shape are thus preferred. Such a shape also favors the nanoparticle interaction with or uptake by cells. Spherical or round shape is particularly preferred.

Typically, the largest dimension is the diameter of a nanoparticle of round or spherical shape, or the longest length of a nanoparticle of ovoid or oval shape.

Composition/Structure

The inorganic material of the nanoparticle present in the composition preferably has a theoretical (bulk) density of at least 7 and may be selected from any material exhibiting this property and identified in the table from Physical Constants of Inorganic Compounds appearing on page 4-43 in Handbook of Chemistry and Physics (David R. Lide Editor-In-Chief, 88^(th) Edition 2007-2008).

The inorganic material constituting the nanoparticle is preferably a material having an effective atomic number (Z_(eff)) of at least 25, preferably at least 40 or 41, more preferably at least 50 or 51, more preferably at least 60, 61, 62 or even 63.

Effective atomic number is a term that is similar to atomic number but is used for compounds (e.g. water) and mixtures of different materials (such as tissue and bone) rather than for atoms. Effective atomic number calculates the average atomic number for a compound or mixture of materials. It is abbreviated Z_(eff).

The effective atomic number is calculated by taking the fractional proportion of each atom in the compound and multiplying that by the atomic number of the atom. The formula for the effective atomic number, Z_(eff), is as follows:

$Z_{eff} = \sqrt[2.94]{{f_{1} \times \left( Z_{1} \right)^{2.94}} + {f_{2} \times \left( Z_{2} \right)^{2.94}} + {f_{3} \times \left( Z_{3} \right)^{2.94}} + \ldots}$

where

f_(n) is the fraction of the total number of electrons associated with each element, and

Z_(n) is the atomic number of each element.

The atomic number (also known as the proton number) is the number of protons found in the nucleus of an atom. It is traditionally represented by the symbol Z. The atomic number uniquely identifies a chemical element. In an atom of neutral charge, atomic number is equal to the number of electrons.

An example is that of water (H₂O) which is made up of two hydrogen atoms (Z=1) and one oxygen atom (Z=8). The total number of electrons is 1+1+8=10. The fraction of electrons corresponding to the two hydrogens is 2/10 and the fraction of electrons corresponding to the unique oxygen is ( 8/10). Z_(eff) of water is therefore:

$Z_{eff} = {\sqrt[2.94]{{0.2 \times 1^{2.94}} + {0.8 \times 0.8^{2.94}}} = 7.42}$

Z_(eff) participate to the incoming radiations absorption capacity of nanoparticles.

The inorganic material constituting the nanoparticle is typically selected from an oxide, a metal, a sulfide and any mixture thereof.

When the inorganic material constituting the nanoparticle is an oxide, this oxide is advantageously selected from Cerium (IV) oxide (CeO₂), Neodynium (III) oxide (Nd₂O₃), Samarium (III) oxide (Sm₂O₃), Europium (III) oxide (Eu2O₃), Gadolinium (III) oxide (Gd₂O₃), Terbium (III) oxide (Tb₂O₃), Dysprosium (III) oxide (Dy₂O₃), Holmium oxide (Ho₂O₃), Erbium oxide (Er₂O₃), Thullium (III) oxide (Tm₂O₃), Ytterbium oxide (Yb₂O₃), Lutetium oxide (lu₂O₃), Hafnium (IV) oxide (HfO₂), Tantalum (V) oxide (Ta₂O₅), Rhenium (IV) oxide (ReO₂), Bismuth (III) (Bi₂O₃). In the context of the present invention, a mixture of inorganic oxides can also be used to prepare the nanoparticle of the invention.

When the inorganic material constituting the nanoparticle is a metal, this metal is advantageously selected from gold (Au), silver (Ag), platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd), tin (Sn), tantalum (Ta), ytterbium (Yb), zirconium (Zr), hafnium (Hf), terbium (Tb), thulium (Tm), cerium (Ce), dysprosium (Dy), erbium (Er), europium (Eu), holmium (Ho), iron (Fe), lanthanum (La), neodymium (Nd), praseodymium (Pr), lutetium (Lu) and mixtures thereof. In the context of the present invention, mixture of metals is also possible. In the context of the present invention, a mixture of an inorganic oxide and of a metal can also be used to prepare the nanoparticle of the invention.

When the inorganic material constituting the nanoparticle is a sulfide, this sulfide is preferably silver sulfide (Ag₂S).

Electron Density

The electron density of the material constituting the nanoparticle (crystallites or aggregates of crystallites) is the number of electrons per volume of material express in electron/cm³ (e-/cm³).

The electron density is calculated using the following equation:

ρ_(e-material) =d _(material) ×e ⁻ _(material)

Wherein:

-   -   i. ρ_(e-material) corresponds to the electron density of the         material constituting the nanoparticle, expressed as the number         of electron per cm³ (e⁻/cm³);     -   ii. d_(material) corresponds to the theoretical (bulk) density         of the material constituting the nanoparticle (see table         Physical Constants of Inorganic Compounds page 4-43, in Handbook         of Chemistry and Physics; David R. Lide Editor-In-Chief, 88^(th)         Edition 2007-2008) and is expressed in g/cm³;     -   iii. e⁻ _(material) corresponds to the number of electron per         gram of material constituting the nanoparticle (see for example         table 5.1 page 63, in The Physics of Radiation Therapy Fourth         Edition, Faiz M. Khan 2010) and is expressed in electrons/g         (e⁻/g).

When the inorganic material constituting the nanoparticle is a metal, the number of electron per gram of any metallic element may be calculated using the following formula:

N ₀ =N×Z/A

N₀=number of electron per gram of the element

N=Avogadro's number

Z=atomic number of the element

A=atomic weight of the element

For example:

-   -   for gold element, the number of electron per gram is         N₀=6.022×10²³×79/196.96=2.41×10²³     -   for lead element, the number of electron per gram is         N₀=6.022×10²³×82/207.2=2.38×10²³     -   for iron element, the number of electron per gram is         N₀=6.022×10²³×26/55.845=2.80×10²³

For example, for a spherical gold nanoparticle (GNP) with a diameter equal to 100 nm, the electron density of the nanoparticles is 13.9 times the electron density of the corresponding volume of water (i.e. a sphere of diameter equal to 100 nm filled with water molecules).

$\frac{\rho_{e - {GNP}}}{\rho_{e - {water}}} = {\frac{d_{GNP} \times e_{GNP}^{-}}{d_{water} \times e_{water}^{-}} = {\frac{1.93 \times 2.41 \times 10^{23}}{1.0 \times 3.34 \times 10^{23}} = 13.9}}$

For example, for a spherical iron nanoparticle with a diameter equal to 100 nm, the electron density of the nanoparticles is 6.6 times the electron density of the corresponding volume of water (i.e. a sphere of diameter equal to 100 nm filled with water molecules).

$\frac{\rho_{e - {ironNP}}}{\rho_{e - {water}}} = {\frac{d_{ironNP} \times e_{ironNP}^{-}}{d_{water} \times e_{water}^{-}} = {\frac{7.87 \times 2.80 \times 10^{23}}{1.0 \times 3.34 \times 10^{23}} = 6.6}}$

When the inorganic material constituting the nanoparticle is typically an oxide or a sulfide, the number of electron per gram of any material constituting the nanoparticle may be calculated using the following formula

e ⁻ _(material) =N×(ΣZ _(element))/M

e⁻ _(material)=number of electron per gram of the material constituting the nanoparticle

N=Avogadro's number

Z_(element)=atomic number of each element constituting the material

M=Molecular weight of the material constituting the nanoparticle

For example:

-   -   For water molecules, the number of electron per gram is e⁻         _(water)=6.022×10²³×(1+1+8)/18=3.34×10²³     -   For hafnium oxide material, the number of electron per gram is         e⁻ _(HfO2)=6.022×10²³×(72+8+8)/210.49=2.52×10²³     -   For bismuth oxide material, the number of electron per gram is         e⁻ _(Bi2O3)=6.022×10²³×(83+83+8+8+8)/465.96=2.45×10²³     -   For tantalum oxide material, the number of electron per gram is         e⁻ _(Ta2O5)=6.022×10²³×(73+73+8+8+8+8+8)/441.9=2.53×10²³     -   For cerium oxide material, the number of electron per gram is e⁻         _(CeO2)=6.022×10²³×(58+8+8)/(172.12)=2.59×10²³

For example, for a spherical hafnium oxide nanoparticle (HfO₂) with a diameter equal to 100 nm, the electron density of the nanoparticles is 7.3 times the electron density of the corresponding volume of water (i.e. a sphere of diameter equal to 100 nm filled with water molecules).

$\frac{\rho_{e - {{Hf}\; O\; 2}}}{\rho_{e - {water}}} = {\frac{d_{{Hf}\; O\; 2} \times e_{{Hf}\; O\; 2}^{-}}{d_{water} \times e_{water}^{-}} = {\frac{9.7 \times 2.52 \times 10^{23}}{1.0 \times 3.34 \times 10^{23}} = 7.3}}$

For example, for a spherical bismuth oxide nanoparticle (Bi₂O₃) with a diameter equal to 100 nm, the electron density of the nanoparticles is 6.5 times the electron density of the corresponding volume of water (i.e. a sphere of diameter equal to 100 nm filled with water molecules).

$\frac{\rho_{e - {{Bi}\; 2O\; 3}}}{\rho_{e - {water}}} = {\frac{d_{{Bi}\; 2O\; 3} \times e_{{Bi}\; 2O\; 3}^{-}}{d_{water} \times e_{water}^{-}} = {\frac{8.24 \times 2.53 \times 10^{23}}{1.0 \times 3.34 \times 10^{23}} = 6.5}}$

For example, for a spherical tantalum oxide nanoparticle (Ta₂O₅) with a diameter equal to 100 nm, the electron density of the nanoparticles is 6.25 times the electron density of the corresponding volume of water (i.e. a sphere of diameter equal to 100 nm filled with water molecules).

$\frac{\rho_{e - {{Ta}\; 2O\; 5}}}{\rho_{e - {water}}} = {\frac{d_{{Ta}\; 2O\; 5} \times e_{{Ta}\; 2O\; 5}^{-}}{d_{water} \times e_{water}^{-}} = {\frac{8.9 \times 2.45 \times 10^{23}}{1.0 \times 3.34 \times 10^{23}} = 6.25}}$

For example, for a spherical cerium oxide nanoparticle (CeO₂) with a diameter equal to 100 nm, the electron density of the nanoparticles is 5.6 times the electron density of the corresponding volume of water (i.e. a sphere of diameter equal to 100 nm filled with water molecules).

$\frac{\rho_{e - {{TCe}\; O\; 2}}}{\rho_{e - {water}}} = {\frac{d_{{Ce}\; O\; 2} \times e_{{Ce}\; O\; 2}^{-}}{d_{water} \times e_{water}^{-}} = {\frac{7.2 \times 2.59 \times 10^{23}}{1.0 \times 3.34 \times 10^{23}} = 5.6}}$

Biocompatible Coating

In a preferred embodiment, the nanoparticle used in the context of the present invention to prepare a composition of interest can be coated with a biocompatible material selected from an agent exhibiting stealth property. Indeed, when the nanoparticles of the present invention are administered to a subject via the intravenous (IV) route, a biocompatible coating with a material selected from an agent exhibiting stealth property is particularly advantageous to optimize the biodistribution of the nanoparticles. Said coating is responsible for the so called “stealth property” of the nanoparticle.

Agent exhibiting stealth properties may be an agent displaying a steric group. Such a group may be selected for example from polyethylene glycol (PEG); polyethylenoxide; polyvinylalcohol; polyacrylate; polyacrylamide (poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)); polycarbamide; a biopolymer; a polysaccharide such as dextran, xylan and cellulose; collagen; a switterionic compound such as polysulfobetain; etc.

In another preferred embodiment, the nanoparticles can be coated with a biocompatible material selected from an agent allowing interaction with a biological target. Such an agent can typically bring a positive or a negative charge on the nanoparticle's surface. This charge can be determined by zeta potential measurements, typically performed on nanoparticles suspensions the concentration of which vary between 0.2 and 10 g/L, the nanoparticles being suspended in an aqueous medium with a pH comprised between 6 and 8.

An agent forming a positive charge on the nanoparticle surface can be for example aminopropyltriethoxisilane or polylysine. An agent forming a negative charge on the nanoparticle surface can be for example a phosphate (for example a polyphosphate, a metaphosphate, a pyrophosphate, etc.), a carboxylate (for example citrate or dicarboxylic acid, in particular succinic acid) or a sulphate.

A full biocompatible coating of the nanoparticle or aggregate may be advantageous, in particular in the intravenous (IV) context, in order to avoid interaction of the particle surface with any recognition element (macrophage, opsonins, etc.). The “full coating” implies the presence of a very high compactness of biocompatible molecules able to create at least a complete monolayer on the surface of the particle.

The biocompatible coating allows in particular the nanoparticle stability in a fluid, such as a physiological fluid (blood, plasma, serum, etc.), any isotonic media or physiologic medium, for example media comprising glucose (5%) and/or NaCl (0.9%), which is required for a pharmaceutical administration.

Stability may be confirmed by dry extract quantification using a drying oven and measured on a nanoparticle suspension prior and after filtration, typically on a 0.22 or 0.45 μm filter.

Advantageously, the coating preserves the integrity of the particle in vivo, ensures or improves the biocompatibility thereof, and facilitates an optional functionalization thereof (for example with spacer molecules, biocompatible polymers, targeting agents, proteins, etc.).

Targeting

A particular nanoparticle according to the present invention can further comprise a targeting agent allowing its interaction with a recognition element present on the target cell. Such a targeting agent typically acts once the nanoparticles are accumulated on the target site. The targeting agent can be any biological or chemical structure displaying affinity for molecules present in the human or animal body. For instance it can be a peptide, oligopeptide or polypeptide, a protein, a nucleic acid (DNA, RNA, SiRNA, tRNA, miRNA, etc.), a hormone, a vitamin, an enzyme, the ligand of a molecule expressed by a pathological cell, in particular the ligand of a tumor antigen, hormone receptor, cytokine receptor or growth factor receptor. Said targeting agents can be selected for example in the group consisting in LHRH, EGF, a folate, anti-B-FN antibody, E-selectin/P-selectin, anti-IL-2Rα antibody, GHRH, etc.

Composition

Another particular object herein described relates to a pharmaceutical composition comprising nanoparticles such as defined hereinabove, preferably together with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or vehicle.

A typical object of the invention is a composition inducing in a mammal subject having a tumor, preferably in a human subject having a tumor, (i) the destruction of more than 30% of cancer cells in a tumor volume or (ii) at least more than 20% of tumor size reduction when the volume (Vc) of said composition occupies between 2 and 50% of the tumor volume (Vt) and when the tumor is exposed to ionizing radiations, wherein the composition comprises inorganic nanoparticles having a volume (Vin) having an electron density at least 5 times the electron density of the corresponding volume 1 (Vw1) of water.

In a typical embodiment, the volume of the mammal's tumor is between 3 cm³ (3 cc) and 5000 cm³ (5000 cc).

The composition can be in the form of a solid, liquid (particles in suspension), aerosol, gel, paste, and the like. Preferred compositions are in a liquid or a gel form. Particularly preferred compositions are in liquid form.

The carrier which is employed can be any classical support for the skilled person, such as for example a saline, isotonic, sterile, buffered solution, a non-aqueous vehicle solution and the like.

The composition can also comprise stabilizers, sweeteners, surfactants, polymers and the like.

It can be formulated for example as ampoule, aerosol, bottle, tablet, capsule, by using techniques of pharmaceutical formulation known by the skilled person.

Generally, the composition, in liquid or gel form, comprise between about 0.05 g/L and about 450 g/L of nanoparticles, between about 0.05 g/L and about 150 g/L of nanoparticles, preferably at least about 10 g/L, 20 g/L, 40 g/L, 45 g/L, 50 g/L, 55 g/L, 60 g/L, 80 g/L, 100 g/L, 150 g/L, 200 g/L, 250 g/L, 300 g/L, 350 g/L or 400 g/L of nanoparticles.

The concentration of nanoparticles in the composition can be measured by dry extract. A dry extract is ideally measured following a drying step of the suspension comprising the nanoparticles in a drying oven.

Administration Route

The nanoparticles of the invention can be administered to the subject using different possible routes such as local (intra-tumoral (IT), intra-arterial (IA)), subcutaneous, intra venous (IV), intra-dermic, airways (inhalation), intra peritoneal, intra muscular, intra-articular, intra-thecal, intra-ocular or oral route (per os), preferably using IT, IV or IA.

Repeated injections or administrations of nanoparticles can be performed, when appropriate.

Solid Tumor

The invention can be used to treat any type of malignant solid tumors, in particular of epithelial, neuroectodermal or mesenchymal origin, as well as lymphatic cancers. The nanoparticles can also be used for advanced stage tumors which cannot be surgically removed.

The nanoparticles herein described are in particular intended to be used to treat cancer where radiotherapy is a classical treatment or is the most appropriate treatment for a particular subject, or where radiotherapy could be indicated. Such cancer may be selected in particular from the group consisting of skin cancer, including malignant neoplasms associated to AIDS, melanoma; squamous cancer; central nervous system tumors including brain, cerebellum, pituitary, spinal cord, brainstem, eye and orbit; head and neck tumors; lung cancers; breast cancers; gastrointestinal tumors such as liver and hepatobiliary tract cancers, colon, rectum and anal cancers, stomach, pancreas, oesophagus cancer; male genitourinary tumors such as prostate, testis, penis and urethra cancers; gynecologic tumors such as uterine cervix, endometrium, ovary, fallopian tube, vagina and vulvar cancers; adrenal and retroperitoneal tumors; sarcomas of bone and soft tissue regardless the localization; and pediatric tumors such as Wilm's tumor, neuroblastoma, central nervous system tumors, Ewing's sarcoma, etc.

Tumor Volume (Vt) Evaluation Before Treatment

Tumor volume imaging includes radiography, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasound (US), single photon emission tomography (SPECT), and positron emission tomography (PET) as known by the skilled person. All those techniques are used to evaluate the tumor volume. CT and MRI are the most commonly used procedures for treatment planning.

MRI uses radiofrequency power in the presence of a strong magnetic field to perturb protons, either in water or in fatty acid chains, and to allow them producing a radiofrequency signal in return. This signal can be registered with the use of receiver coils. Gradients can be applied during the application of the radiofrequency pulse or during the reception of this signal to spatially encode it and create a map of the signal in the body. Tissue characteristics such as T1, T2, magnetic susceptibility, and resonant frequencies produced by fat, water, and other compounds can be detected on the image.

Computed tomography (CT) imaging is based on the variable absorption of X-rays by different tissues, and provides a cross-sectional imaging. The origin of the word “tomography” is from the Greek word “tomos” meaning “slice” or “section” and “graphe” meaning “drawing”. A CT imaging system produces cross-sectional images of the bones and soft tissues inside the body. CT images can be combined to create 3D images.

Evaluation of the Volume of Composition (Vc) Within the Tumor Volume

The nanoparticles of the present invention are composed of high electron density material. They are intrinsically radio-opaque (i.e. they absorb X-rays) and can be easily visualized when using typically radiography and computed tomography.

The volume of composition (Vc) within the tumor volume (Vt) can be calculated using the computed tomography (CT) imaging technique. The nanoparticles used to prepare the composition will create a marked contrast in the CT images due to the difference of electron density between the tumor tissue and the nanoparticles.

The Hounsfield number is a normalized value of the calculated X-ray absorption coefficient of a pixel (picture element) in a computed tomogram, expressed in Hounsfield units (HU), where the CT number of air is −1000 (HU=−1000) and that of water is zero (HU=0). For inorganic nanoparticles with high electron density, separation between tissues and nanoparticles occurs typically around HU values of 120 or 150. Above HU values of typically 120 or 150 up to 200, no more soft tissues densities can be found.

Thus the volume of composition (Vc)—the volume occupied by the nanoparticles (HU typically above 120 or 150)—can be calculated.

FIG. 2 shows typical CT images of a tumor with presence of high density nanoparticles (composed of hafnium oxide material). In this figure, an aqueous suspension of nanoparticles (composed of hafnium oxide material) was injected directly into the tumor (intra-tumoral administration). No leak of nanoparticles from the tumor mass (<10%) following injection thereof as well as persistence of said nanoparticles within the tumor structure have both been demonstrated (L. Maggiorella et al. Nanoscale radiotherapy with hafnium oxide nanoparticles. Future Oncology, 2012, 8(9); 1167-1181).

Typically, the volume of composition (Vc) occupies between 2% and 55% of the tumor volume. More preferably, the volume of composition occupies between 2% and 50%, 2% and 45%, 2% and 40%, 2% and 35%, 2% and 30%, 2% and 25%, and even more preferably between 2%, 2.5, 3 or 5% and 20%, 15% or 10% of the tumor volume.

Calculation of the Electron Density in the Volume Occupied by the Nanoparticles, i.e. the Volume of Composition (Vc) Within the Tumor Volume

The electron density of the volume of composition (Vc) is calculated using a calibration curve established using a CT scanner.

In a first step, the volume of composition (Vc)—the volume occupied by the nanoparticles (HU above typically 120 or 150 or 200)—is calculated.

In a second step, within the calculated volume (Vc), an histogram corresponding to the distribution of HU values above typically 120 or 150 or 200, is established. The histogram represents the occurrences of voxels related to specific HU values above a specific threshold, typically 120 HU or 150 HU or 200 HU. The mean HU value for the distribution of nanoparticles is obtained using the following equation:

Mean HU=Σ(HU×occurence)/Σ occurences

A calibration curve is used where the Hounsfield number (HU) is plotted against an increased concentration of the nanoparticles either in a suspension or in a gel. A typical example of calibration curve is presented for gold nanoparticles with size ranging from 15 nm up to 105 nm (GNPs) in FIG. 3.

From the calibration curve, a mean concentration of nanoparticles is calculated (X_(mean) in g/L).

In a third step, the volume of nanoparticles (V_(NP)=Σ Vin) within Vc is calculated as follow:

V _(NP)(cm³)=X _(mean)×Vc(cm³)/d _(material)(g/cm³)/1000(cm³)

The following equation is then used to calculate the electron density (number of electron per volume) of the volume of composition:

ρ_(e-C)=[(Vc−V _(NP))ρ_(e-eau) +V _(NP)×ρ_(e-material)]/Vc

Where,

ρ_(e-C)=electron density of the volume of composition (number of electron per cm³);

ρ_(e-eau)=electron density of water

ρ_(e-material)=electron density of the material constituting the nanoparticle

Due to the absence of nanoparticles leakage from the tumor mass following local injection of nanoparticles suspension, the volume of composition corresponds to the volume of the nanoparticles' suspension which has been injected into the tumor; and the mean concentration of nanoparticles in the volume of composition corresponds to the concentration of the nanoparticles' suspension which has been injected into the tumor.

Calculation of the Quantity of Electrons Provided by the Nanoparticles to the Tumor Volume

The quantity of electrons provided by the nanoparticles is calculated using the following equation

Quantity of electrons=V _(NP)(cm3)×ρ_(e-material)

Radiotherapy Sources

The nanoparticles of the invention can be used in many fields, particularly in human or veterinary medicine. Nanoparticles and compositions according to the invention, as herein described, are preferably for use in an animal, preferably in a mammal (for example in the context of veterinary medicine), even more preferably in a human being, as a therapeutic agent, in particular in oncology, preferably when the nanoparticle is exposed to ionizing radiations. Ionizing radiations includes typically X-Rays, gamma-Rays, UV-Rays, electron beams as well as particle beams of, for example neutrons, carbon ions and protons.

In a particular embodiment, the present invention relates to a method of inducing in a subject suffering of a cancer (i) the destruction of more than about 30%, for example more than about 35%, 40%, 44% or 45%, preferably more than about 47%, for example more than about 50%, 55%, 60%, 65% and 68%, even more preferably more than about 70% of cancer cells in a tumor volume, or (ii) at least 15%, 20%, preferably more than 20% of tumor size reduction, comprising:

-   -   administering to a subject a composition having a volume (Vc)         occupying between 2 and 50% of the tumor volume (Vt), said         composition comprising inorganic nanoparticles, each inorganic         nanoparticle having a volume (Vin) having an electron density at         least 5 times the electron density of the corresponding volume 1         (Vw1) of water; and     -   exposing the tumor of the subject to ionizing radiations.

In a preferred embodiment, the volume composition (Vc) has an electron density of at least 3% of the electron density of the corresponding volume 2 (Vw2) of water. Even more preferably, the inorganic nanoparticles provide at least, preferably more than 3×10²² electrons, for example more than about 3.2×10²² electrons, preferably more than 7×10²², electrons to the tumor mass.

Under the effect of ionizing radiations, in particular X-Rays, gamma-rays, radioactive isotopes and/or electron beams, the nanoparticles are activated, or in other terms excited, and produce electrons and/or high energy photons. Those electrons and/or high energy photons emitted after ionization will be involved in the direct and/or indirect cells damages, possibly via free radicals generation, and ultimately for cells destruction, resulting in a better outcome for the patient. Surprisingly, inventors discovered that the high electron density of each nanoparticle together with the quantity of electrons provided by the nanoparticles to the tumor mass are responsible for a markedly increased efficiency of the radiotherapy.

The particles can be excited within a large range of total dose of radiations.

Amounts and schedules (planning and delivery of irradiations whichever fraction dose, fraction delivery schema, total dose alone or in combination with other anticancer agents, etc.) is defined for any disease/anatomical site/disease stage patient setting/patient age (children, adult, elderly patient), and constitutes the standard of care for any specific situation.

The irradiation can be applied at any time after administration of the nanoparticles, on one or more occasions, by using any currently available system of radiotherapy or radiography.

As indicated previously, appropriate radiations or sources of excitation are preferably ionizing radiations and can advantageously be selected from the group consisting of X-Rays, gamma-Rays, electron beams, ion beams and radioactive isotopes or radioisotopes emissions. X-Rays is a particularly preferred source of excitation.

Ionizing radiations are typically of about 2 KeV to about 25 000 KeV, in particular of about 2 KeV to about 6000 KeV (i.e. 6 MeV) (LINAC source), or of about 2 KeV to about 1500 KeV (such as a cobalt 60 source).

In general and in a non-restrictive manner, the following X-Rays can be applied in different cases to excite the particles:

-   -   Superficial X-Rays of 2 to 50 keV: to excite nanoparticles near         the surface (penetration of a few millimeters);     -   X-Rays of 50 to 150 keV: in diagnostic but also in therapy;     -   X-Rays (ortho voltage) of 200 to 500 keV which can penetrate a         tissue thickness of 6 cm;     -   X-Rays (mega voltage) of 1000 keV to 25,000 keV.

Radioactive isotopes can alternatively be used as an ionizing radiation source (named as curietherapy or brachytherapy). In particular, Iodine I¹²⁵ (t ½=60.1 days), Palladium Pd¹⁰³ (t ½=17 days), Cesium Cs¹³⁷, Strontium ⁸⁹Sr (t ½=50.5 days), Samarium ¹⁵³Sm (t ½=46.3 hours), and Iridium Ir¹⁹², can advantageously be used.

Charged particles such as proton beams, ions beams such as carbon, in particular high energy ion beams, can also be used as a ionizing radiation source and/or neutron beams.

Electron beams may also be used as a ionizing radiation source with energy comprised between 4 MeV and 25 MeV.

Specific monochromatic irradiation source could be used for selectively generating X-rays radiation at energy close to or corresponding to the desired X-ray absorption edge of the atoms constituting the metallic material.

Preferentially sources of ionizing radiations may be selected from Linear Accelerator (LINAC), Cobalt 60 and brachytherapy sources.

Assessment of Objective Tumor Response

Tumor Size Evaluation (Anatomical Response Criteria)

Assessment of the change in tumor burden is an important feature of the clinical evaluation of cancer therapeutics: both tumor shrinkage (objective response) and disease progression are useful endpoint in clinical trials.

The use of tumor regression (tumor size reduction) as meaningful endpoint for screening new agents for evidence of anti-tumor effect is supported by years of evidence suggesting that, for many solid tumors, agents which produce tumor shrinkage in a proportion of patients have a reasonable chance (albeit imperfect) of subsequently demonstrating an improvement in overall survival or quality of life, both gold standards for measuring clinical benefit.

In 1981, the World Health Organization (WHO) first published tumor response criteria. New criteria, known as RECIST (Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors), were published in 2000 and 2009. In the above mentioned tumor response criteria, imaging techniques such as CT, MRI, or other technologies are used for the evaluation of the tumor size.

Percentage (%) of Cancer Cell Killing Evaluation

Histological examination is used to detect residual cancer cells typically after preoperative therapy. Currently, the pathological response evaluation of the primary lesion can be performed using definition employed in clinical trials such as, and not exhaustively, the Japanese pathological response criteria, the Abersen classification, the GEPARDO classification, the NSABP B18 classification.

Molecular Imaging (Metabolic Response Criteria)

Among several pursued molecular imaging approaches for treatment monitoring, such as dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI, diffusion-weighted MRI, MR spectroscopy, optical imaging and contrast-enhanced ultrasound, PET with the glucose analog ¹⁸F-FGD ((18)fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography) is clinically the most used.

Lesser or no decline in ¹⁸F-FGD uptake by the tumor was seen as sign of absence of tumor response. Those tumors with a continuing decline in ¹⁸F-FGD uptake overtime were the most likely to have complete pathological responses by histology at the end of therapy. Tumor ¹⁸F-FGD uptake also declined more rapidly than did tumor size with effective treatment.

Two basic approaches can be considered for assessing the metabolic changes of treatment: qualitative and quantitative. For quantitative analysis, the SUV (Standardized Uptake Value) is the widely used metric for assessing tissue accumulation of tracers. SUV can be normalized to body mass, lean body mass (SUL) or body surface area. Typically, the percentage decline in tumor SUV may be used as a method of quantification for assessing objective tumor response to therapy. However, absolute SUV determinations may also be used.

Molecular Markers for Monitoring Tumor Response to Treatment

The measure of markers specifically secreted by cancer cells into the blood may be used to monitor tumor response to therapy. In some malignant tumors, including prostate, ovarian, and thyroid cancers, tumor markers (prostate-specific antigen, CA125, and thyroglobulin) are used to monitor tumor response to treatment.

Classical cancer management systematically implies the concurrence of multimodality treatments (combination of radiotherapy and chemotherapy for example).

The herein described nanoparticles submitted to radiations, in particular in the context of radiotherapy, can be used in association with every different cancer therapy protocol. Such a protocol can be selected from the group consisting of surgery, radiosurgery, chemotherapy, a treatment comprising administration of cytostatic(s), cytotoxic(s), a targeted therapy, an immunotherapy, radionuclides, in particular immunoradionuclides, and any other biological or inorganic product intended to treat cancer.

Other aspects and advantages of the invention will become apparent in the following examples, which are given for purposes of illustration and not by way of limitation.

FIGURES

FIG. 1 shows that, once administered, the volume (Vc) of the composition of the invention occupies between 2 and 50% of the tumor volume (Vt). Each inorganic nanoparticle of the composition has a volume (Vin) having an electron density at least 5 times the electron density of the corresponding volume 1 (Vw1) of water. These inorganic nanoparticles provide at least, preferably more than 3×10²² electrons, for example more than about 3.2×10²² electrons, preferably more than 7×10²² electrons, to the tumor mass. The volume composition (Vc) (further) has an electron density of at least 3% of the electron density of the corresponding volume 2 (Vw2) of water.

FIG. 2 shows the distribution and dispersion over time of a biocompatible suspension of HfO₂ nanoparticles after intra tumoral injection into Swiss nude mice bearing HCT116 tumor. Computed Tomography has been performed on tumor, 2 and 15 days following injection.

FIG. 3 shows the X-ray attenuation as a function of gold concentration for gold nanoparticles with size equal to 15 nm (GOLD-15), 30 nm (GOLD-30), 60 nm (GOLD-60), 80 nm (GOLD-80) and 105 nm (GOLD-105).

HU value as a function of [Au] (g/L) of GOLD-15: diamond dots

HU value as a function of [Au] (g/L) of GOLD-30: square dots

HU value as a function of [Au] (g/L) of GOLD-60: triangle dots

HU value as a function of [Au] (g/L) of GOLD-80: cross dots

HU value as a function of [Au] (g/L) of GOLD-105: + dots

FIG. 4 shows the % of cell killing (postoperative pathological examination) after the treatment at the time of surgery. More than 70% of cell killing were observed for patient having received the high electron density nanoparticles suspension, intra-tumorally injected within the tumor mass such that the quantity of electrons provided by the nanoparticles to the tumor mass is more than 7×10²².

FIG. 5 shows the distribution and dispersion over time (during all session of radiotherapy: 2*25 Gy) of a biocompatible suspension of HfO₂ nanoparticles after intra tumoral injection into a human subject bearing a soft tissue sarcoma of the extremity. Computed Tomography has been performed on tumor, 1 day (before the first session of radiotherapy) and 65 days (after all session of radiotherapy, before surgery) following injection. The tumor size reduction (tumor volume evolution) is of 53%.

EXAMPLE

A composition comprising hafnium oxide nanoparticles with a concentration equal to 53 g/L is intra-tumorally injected in patients with advanced soft tissues sarcoma of the limbs. The injection volume corresponds to 2.5% of the tumor volume at baseline. Patients received 50 Gy of radiation therapy during 5 weeks and then undergone tumor resection.

The following table recapitulates

-   -   The tumor volume at baseline (cm³);     -   The composition volume which is the volume of nanoparticles         (composed of hafnium oxide material) suspension which has been         intratumorally injected and corresponds to 2.5% of the tumor         volume at baseline (cm³);     -   the nanoparticle concentration, equal to 53 g/L;     -   the electron density of each nanoparticle (with volume Vin) with         respect to the electron density of same nanoparticle (with         volume Vw1) composed of water molecules;

$\frac{\rho_{e - {{Hf}\; O\; 2}}}{\rho_{e - {water}}} = {\frac{d_{{Hf}\; O\; 2} \times e_{{HfO}\; 2}^{-}}{d_{water} \times e_{water}^{-}} = {\frac{9.6 \times 2.52 \times 10^{23}}{1.0 \times 3.34 \times 10^{23}} = 7.3}}$

-   -   the electron density of the volume composition (Vc) with respect         to the electron density of the same volume (Vw2) composed of         water molecules;

$\frac{{\left( {{Vc} - V_{{Hf}\; O\; 2}} \right)\rho_{e - {eau}}} + {V_{{Hf}\; O\; 2} \times \rho_{e - {{Hf}\; O\; 2}}}}{V_{c} \times \rho_{e - {eau}}} = 1.034$

-   -   the quantity of electron given by the nanoparticles to the tumor         mass;

Quantity of electrons=V _(HfO2)(cm3)×ρ_(e-HfO2)(e-/cm3)

-   -   % of nanoparticles within the tumor expressed as weight of         nanoparticles by weight of tumor (e.g. 0.13% refers to 0.13 g of         nanoparticles per 100 g of tumor).

Vt: Tumor volume (cm3) 55.0 55.0 95.9 158.0 212.0 476.0 1814.4 Vc: Composition volume (2.5% of the tumor 1.4 1.4 2.4 4.0 5.3 11.9 45.0 volume) (cm3) Xmean: Mean concentration (g/L) 53.0 53.0 53.0 53.0 53.0 53.0 53.0 Electron density of each nanoparticle with ρe⁻ _(vin)/ρe⁻ _(vw1) 7.3 7.3 7.3 7.3 7.3 7.3 7.3 respect to the electron density of same nanapartide composed of water molecules: e-density (Vin)/e-density (Vw1) Electron density of the volume composition ρe⁻ _(vc)/ρe⁻ _(vw2) 1.03442 1.03442 1.03442 1.03442 1.03442 1.03442 1.03442 (Vc) with respect to electron density of the same volume composed of water molecules: e-density (Vc)/e-density  3.4%  3.4%  3.4%  3.4%  3.4%  3.4%  3.4% (Vw2) quantity of e-given by the nanoparticles to the 1.87E+22 1.87E+22 3.20E+22 5.27E+22 7.07E+22 1.59E+23 6.00E+23 tumor mass % of nanoparticles within the tumor expressed in 0.13% 0.13% 0.13% 0.13% 0.13% 0.13% 0.13% weight of nanopartides by weight of tumor % of cancer cell killing 44 47 10 55 93 72 93

FIG. 4 shows the % of cell killing (postoperative pathological examination) after the treatment at the time of surgery. More than 70% of cell killing were observed for patient having received the high electron density nanoparticles suspension, intra-tumorally injected within the tumor mass such that the quantity of electrons provided by the nanoparticles to the tumor mass is of at least 7×10²².

Interestingly, the percentage (%) of nanoparticles within the tumor expressed as weight of nanoparticles by weight of tumor is equal to 0.13% (0.13% refers to 0.13 g of nanoparticles per 100 g of tumor). This value corresponds to 0.11% of hafnium element within the tumor (i.e. 0.11 g of Hafnium element per 100 g of tumor). This % of nanoparticles by weight does not enhance markedly the tumor response to radiotherapy unless the quantity of electrons provided by the nanoparticles to the tumor mass is more than 3×10²², preferably more than 7×10²².

Results presented here demonstrate that only a composition comprising high electron density inorganic nanoparticles (i.e. each nanoparticle has an electron density at least 5 times the electron density of the same nanoparticle composed of water molecules) occupying between 2 and 50% of the tumor volume are able to induce more than 44% or 47%, preferably more than 70% of cancer cell killing when the inorganic nanoparticles provide more than 3×10²², preferably more than 7×10²² electrons to the tumor mass. 

1-11. (canceled)
 12. A composition comprising inorganic nanoparticles having a volume (Vin) having an electron density at least 5 times the electron density of the corresponding volume 1 (Vw1) of water, said composition inducing in a human subject having a tumor (i) the destruction of more than 30% of cancer cells in a tumor volume or (ii) at least more than 20% of tumor size reduction when the volume (Vc) of said composition occupies between 2 and 50% of the tumor volume (Vt) and when the tumor is exposed to ionizing radiation.
 13. The composition according to claim 12, wherein Vc has an electron density of at least 3% of the electron density of the corresponding volume 2 (Vw2) of water.
 14. The composition according to claim 12, said composition inducing the destruction of more than 44% of cancer cells in a tumor volume when inorganic nanoparticles provide more than 3×10²² electrons to the tumor mass.
 15. The composition according to claim 12, said composition inducing the destruction of more than 70% of cancer cells in a tumor volume when inorganic nanoparticles provide more than 7×10²² electrons to the tumor mass.
 16. The composition according to claim 12, wherein the inorganic material of the nanoparticle has a theoretical (bulk) density of at least 7 and an effective atomic number (Z_(eff)) of at least
 25. 17. The composition according to claim 16, wherein the inorganic material is selected from an oxide, a metal, a sulfide or any mixture thereof.
 18. The composition according to claim 12, wherein the largest dimension of a nanoparticle is between about 5 nm and about 250 nm.
 19. The composition according to claim 12, wherein the composition is a pharmaceutical composition in a liquid or gel form.
 20. The composition according to claim 12, wherein the tumor is a malignant solid tumor or lymphatic cancer.
 21. A method for inducing in a subject suffering of a cancer (i) the destruction of more than 30% of cancer cells in a tumor volume or (ii) at least more than 20% of tumor size reduction comprising administering in a subject suffering of a cancer a composition comprising inorganic nanoparticles according to claim 12, and exposing the tumor of the subject to ionizing radiation, thereby inducing (i) the destruction of more than 30% of cancer cells in a tumor volume or (ii) at least more than 20% of tumor size reduction when the volume (Vc) of said composition occupies between 2 and 50% of the tumor volume (Vt).
 22. The method according to claim 21, wherein said ionizing radiation is selected from X-rays, ion beams, electron beams, gamma-rays, and a radioactive isotope. 